Christmas Trees & Wreaths

Live Christmas Trees and Wreaths

Live Christmas trees and wreaths should be composted. There are several convenient options to dispose of your live Christmas tree or wreath.

Curbside Recycling

Many cities and haulers offer curbside pick-up services for a few weeks in January to collect live Christmas trees. Call your city recycling coordinator or hauler to find out if they offer the service.

Compost Facilities

Contact your city recycling coordinator or county for a list of composting facilities. Some yard waste facilities also have Christmas tree collection programs. Check with the facility for drop-off hours and fees.

Preparation

Whether you’re dropping off or having your hauler pick up your live tree and wreath, don’t put your tree in a bag. Remove all decorations, including ornaments, lights, tinsel, and tree stands.

Trees and wreaths that have been painted or flocked (sprayed with paint, glitter or other material) can’t be composted and should be put in the garbage. Avoid buying flocked trees so your tree can be composted.

Wreaths that have a lot of wire to hold the boughs together can't be composted. Put any wreaths that contain a lot of wire in the garbage. Many services will want trees taller than six feet cut in half.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial trees should be used as many times as possible. If the tree is in good shape, give it away to friends or family or find a donation opportunity. If the tree can't be reused, consider if any parts of the tree can be recycled. For instance, the metal pole can be recycled as scrap metal. Put what’s left in the garbage. Call your hauler to find out if they have any special requirements.